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The Mediterranean Retreat: ZAGARA Home

The Mediterranean Retreat: ZAGARA Home

Shopping
November 1, 2024
Written By
Laurie Melchionne
Photography
ZAGARA Home
Meet Catherina LaMarca, founder and CEO of ZAGARA Home, the Italian-made, Italian-themed home goods lifestyle line. With everything from room fragrances to table linens to bedding, ZAGARA Home cultivates any interior space into a haven of Mediterranean elegance. 

LaMarca took La Peninsula behind ZAGARA’s curtain in this exclusive interview. 

How did you launch ZAGARA Home? Where does the name “Zagara” come from?

I founded Zagara Home out of my deep love for Italian elegance and design, drawing inspiration from my Italian heritage and family traditions. The name “Zagara” comes from the Sicilian word for orange blossom, a flower with a rich, intoxicating fragrance that symbolizes beauty, purity, and the warmth of the Mediterranean. It’s a nod to my roots and the essence I aim to capture in every product I create. ZAGARA Home began with a vision to share the beauty of Italian craftsmanship through fine linens, fragrances, and home accessories, infusing homes with a sense of European luxury and timeless elegance.

ZAGARA Home is an extension of my passion for interior design and my deep connection to my Italian heritage. My creations are inspired by my appreciation for fine textiles and heirloom linens, much like the ones my mother and nonna hand-embroidered. The memory of pure white Italian linen towels, delicately embroidered, and the sweet scent of Sicilian citrus inspired me to create ZAGARA Home’s Signature Collection. I aim to introduce old-world charm to a new generation and revive cherished memories of the past. Each product in the ZAGARA Home collection reflects my commitment to quality and craftsmanship, with my love for design serving as the foundation for ZAGARA Home’s distinctive style.

What draws you to the home goods industry?

For me, home has always been where life’s most beautiful moments are shared. I’ve always been inspired by the details that make a space feel personal, warm, and inviting. I wanted to offer products that elevate everyday living, combining practicality with luxury and tradition with modern design. The home goods industry allows me to connect with people on a personal level, helping them create spaces that reflect their style and tell their stories.

What is the Designer Program and how does it benefit interior designers drawn to Italian craftsmanship?

Our Designer Program is tailored specifically for interior designers who appreciate the beauty and sophistication of Italian craftsmanship. It offers exclusive access to our collections, personalized support, and trade pricing. Designers working with ZAGARA Home benefit from our commitment to quality, attention to detail, and ability to create custom pieces that truly reflect their clients’ visions. It’s an opportunity for designers to integrate the elegance of Italian-made goods into their projects with ease and confidence.

What is the Tailor Made Program and what sets it apart from typical B2B interior design products partnerships?

The Tailor Made Program is designed for those who desire exclusive, custom-made home goods that go beyond what’s readily available. Unlike typical B2B partnerships that offer standard collections, we work closely with designers and clients to create bespoke items, paying attention to every detail—from fabric selection to final stitching. The program is highly collaborative, allowing us to translate personal visions into tangible pieces of art for the home. What sets it apart is the level of craftsmanship and personalization we offer, ensuring that every product is truly one-of-a-kind and reflective of our Italian heritage.

How many of your designs are custom-made to order? Is this offering exclusive to the Tailor Made Program?

While many of our products are ready to ship, a significant portion of our collection can be customized. This flexibility is most prominently featured in our Tailor Made Program, where designers and clients can work with us to create bespoke pieces that align with specific needs, dimensions, and finishes. It’s a more personal approach, and we enjoy collaborating with those who want something truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

How do you approach collection/design ideas?

Every collection starts with a story or a feeling I want to evoke. Being born in Italy and traveling throughout Italy, Sicily, and Europe, I’m constantly inspired by the beauty and richness of these places—the colors, textures, and craftsmanship. Sicily, in particular, is a constant source of inspiration with its attention to detail and timeless elegance. Once I have a vision, I work closely with artisans and manufacturers to bring it to life, always focusing on quality materials and designs that endure. I want each piece to tell its own story while seamlessly complementing a wide range of personal styles.

Where do you manufacture your linen collections?

Our linen collections are primarily manufactured in Italy, where we collaborate with skilled artisans who uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship. We take pride

in using the finest Italian textiles, ensuring that every piece reflects the quality and elegance that Italian craftsmanship is known for.

Where/how do you source materials? Any favorite materials or styles you like to work with?

We are very selective about sourcing our materials, choosing only the finest fabrics, such as Belgian linen and Egyptian cotton. I particularly love working with natural fibers because they’re not only beautiful but also durable and sustainable. Linen, in particular, has a luxurious yet understated texture that perfectly lends itself to both classic and contemporary designs. We also take great care in sourcing ingredients for our fragrances, ensuring that every product is both high-quality and eco-conscious.

What elements define ZAGARA Home as Italian/European? How does ZAGARA Home transform home spaces into Euro elegance?

Our goal is to transport our customers to the Mediterranean with pieces that evoke the charm and sophistication of Italy, transforming homes into elegant retreats. The essence of Zagara Home is rooted in Italian craftsmanship and a European appreciation for beauty, quality, and detail. Each product is designed with timeless elegance in mind, balancing classic styles with modern sensibilities. From our fine linens and detailed embroidery to our carefully crafted fragrances, everything we offer exudes a refined yet inviting sense of luxury. 

How often are new products and categories updated?

We introduce new collections seasonally, ensuring that we always have something fresh and exciting to offer our customers. Whether it’s a new fragrance for the home or an expanded line of linens, we’re constantly evolving while staying true to our brand’s heritage.

Who shops ZAGARA Home? What are the style preferences and lifestyles that ZAGARA Home speaks to the most?

ZAGARA Home appeals to those who appreciate quality, elegance, and timeless design. Our customers are individuals and families who value craftsmanship and enjoy creating beautiful, welcoming spaces. They are drawn to the Italian aesthetic and often have a love for travel, culture, and the finer things in life. Whether they’re decorating a vacation home or simply adding small luxuries to their everyday lives, our customers value style and substance in equal measure.

Does ZAGARA Home have anything planned for the holidays/near future?

Yes, we have some exciting plans for the holidays that will make wonderful gifts. We’re also looking forward to sharing a few surprises that we think our customers will love. Stay tuned!

Where can we shop ZAGARA Home?

You can shop our full collection online at www.zagarahome.com. We also work with select retailers and interior designers, and we’re proud to offer our Tailor Made Program for those looking for bespoke creations.

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